Kurotsuki Renya and the others waited for a short while. After about seven or eight new recruits had gathered, a teacher approached them with a smile.
"My name is Satō Hideki. I'm an instructor at the Shin'ō Academy. I'll be escorting you there."
After saying this, Satō Hideki led them toward the South Gate of Seireitei.
The massive white walls of Seireitei towered above them, pristine and imposing. Normally, the gates were sealed and could only be opened with a Court Guard permit. At other times, even attempting to pass would result in the Sekkiseki-lined barriers stopping any spiritual being in their tracks.
But since this was Academy admission day, the gates were open to allow new students to enter under supervision. Those who had passed the entrance assessment were brought in through one of Seireitei's four main gates.
These gates were:
West Gate – Hakutōmon,
East Gate – Shōmon,
North Gate – Kokuryōmon,
South Gate – Zōmon.
Each gate was guarded by one of the Shimon, the giant gatekeepers. For the South Gate, Zōmon, the towering Jidanbō Ikkanzaka stood watch.
Renya's group approached the immense Zōmon Gate, its size dwarfing even the tallest buildings in Rukongai. Jidanbō stepped aside as Satō Hideki presented their authorization, and the gate slowly swung open.
Beyond the gate stretched a broad, immaculate avenue leading straight toward the heart of Seireitei. In the distance, Renya could see the tallest structure piercing the skyline — the Central 46 Compound, home to forty sages and six judges who together formed the highest judicial authority in the Soul Society.
Renya's expression hardened for a brief moment. He knew that fifty years in the future, the members of Central 46 would be slaughtered by Sōsuke Aizen, who would then use their authority to issue false orders — orders that would condemn Rukia Kuchiki to execution.
Shaking off the thought, he reminded himself to stay vigilant.
On either side of the avenue stood orderly rows of elegant buildings, their traditional tiled roofs and wooden beams radiating the calm authority of Soul Society's heart. Shinigami in standard black shihakushō passed by, as did nobles in finely woven kimonos. The air here was cleaner, calmer, and charged with the quiet weight of centuries.
Renya and the others glanced around in awe, drinking in the sight of Seireitei for the first time.
After several minutes, Satō Hideki led them westward. The Shin'ō Academy was located on the western side of Seireitei, requiring them to traverse a significant portion of the Court Guard's domain.
After nearly half an hour, they finally arrived before a towering white-walled building with sweeping eaves. This was the main academic hall of the Shin'ō Academy — three stories high, with a vast courtyard and wide open space between its wings.
The courtyard gate stood open. Students in Academy uniforms moved in and out. The uniform resembled a shihakushō but was distinct: male students wore blue-lined collars and hakama, while female students wore red-lined collars with pleated skirts.
Renya and the others stood at the gate, eyes full of anticipation.
Satō Hideki smiled. "From today, you are all students of the Shin'ō Academy. Come — let's get you registered."
He guided them inside to the administration office, where each of them filled out personal records and received their student identification.
From there, he led them to the dormitory complex, located just behind the main academic building. There were two types of students: day students — often from noble families, allowed to live at home and commute — and boarding students, typically from Rukongai or families without special status, who lived in the Academy dormitories.
Because Renya, Renji, Rukia, and Kiyō were all from Rukongai, they were assigned boarding arrangements.
Renya was placed in a shared room with Renji Abarai, Kiyō Tsukashi, and another boy named Kondō. Rukia was assigned to the girls' dormitory, separating her from them for now.
After settling them in, Satō Hideki explained that they would receive their textbooks and uniforms the day before classes officially began, then excused himself to meet the next group of new students.
In the dormitory, Renya sat on his clean bed, looking around at the bright and orderly room. His heart swelled — he had truly become a student of the Shin'ō Academy.
As long as he could graduate, he could become a Shinigami.
Renji was grinning from ear to ear, spinning once in the middle of the room. Kondō also seemed pleased. Only Kiyō's expression remained calm.
Renji noticed this and tilted his head. "Kiyō, aren't you happy at all?"
Kiyō replied evenly, "Getting into the Shin'ō Academy is just the first step. Becoming a Shinigami is still far away."
Renya nodded quietly, agreeing. It would take six years of rigorous training and final examinations to graduate as a Shinigami — and even then, there was a vast difference between an unseated officer and a seated one.
The gulf between a lieutenant and a captain was enormous. And above even the captains were legends — Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai, the Royal Guard of Squad Zero, and members of the Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō.
Renya knew what the future held. In less than sixty years, Aizen would betray the Soul Society, and Rukia would be caught in the middle of his schemes.
He refused to rely solely on Kurosaki Ichigo to save her. He would need the strength himself — captain-class power — to protect his loved ones.
The excitement in his chest slowly transformed into determination, heavy and unshakable.